First look: New kiosks could quicken customs processing at O'Hare

The hassle-factor of getting through customs at O'Hare International Airport's International Terminal could be greatly reduced thanks to new kiosks that will scan your passport and check your fingerprints.

Federal officials said the machines will free up more resources for use in preventing terrorism at O'Hare.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched its Global Entry program Thursday for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents over the age of 14. The program gives frequent international travelers an alternative to the standard customs procedures required upon re-entry into the United States.

The system allows for travelers who complete both the online application and an interview at the Customs and Border Protection enrollment center at O’Hare to bypass the regular passport control line and instead go to one of the four new automated kiosks at the International Terminal.

“Our average wait time for processing is approximately 35 minutes,” said customs official Brian Bell, who demonstrated the equipment. “The average time to use the kiosk is 68 seconds.”

Travelers activate the kiosks by inserting a valid U.S. passport or lawful permanent resident card and then providing fingerprints from both hands to compare with biometric data on file with customs.

When the traveler's identity is confirmed, the kiosk prompts the individual with questions routinely asked by customs agents regarding the value of goods or contact with foreign flora or fauna.

Once successfully completed, the kiosk prints out a receipt that must be shown to a customs officer before leaving the inspection area.

Aaron Gellman, an expert in transportation policy and regulation at Northwestern University’s Transportation Center, said that while the program may make things quicker for business travelers it is likely to be only a marginal improvement.

David Murphy, director of customs operations in Chicago, said in a press release that global entry will allow customs agents to focus on security at O’Hare while facilitating quicker legitimate travel.

The voluntary application process is found online at globalentry.gov and costs $100 for membership through the duration of the pilot program, expected to be no more than five years.

“Global entry has a zero tolerance for violations,” Murphy said. “If a global entry member violates any terms or conditions of this program they will be canceled and their privileges revoked.”

The global entry pilot program began June 6 at JFK International in New York, George Bush Intercontinental in Houston and Washington Dulles International airports.

The program was extended in October to Los Angeles International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, and Miami International airports in addition to O’Hare.